The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes that were collected in Easton this month, according to the town’s health agent, Mark Taylor. The mosquito was a coquillettidia perturbans, a persistent human biter and one of the most common mosquitoes in Massachusetts, he said. Residents can protect themselves by taking basic action such as rescheduling outdoor activities to indoors during evening or early morning hours, using repellent and protective clothing; draining standing water outside, and installing or repairing window and door screens. More information is available at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv
or at the state’s Public Health Information Line at 866-627-7968.